Celebrating Heroes and Unity: A Day of Remembrance and New Beginnings
Kickoff and Historical Context
The 2026 football season for the Jacksonville Jaguars commences this Sunday with a face-off against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium. The game, scheduled for a 1 p.m. start, will be broadcast live on CBS47. Historically, Jacksonville has demonstrated a strong performance against Cleveland, maintaining an impressive 12-8 record, which represents their highest winning percentage against any franchise opponent.
Honoring a Team Legend
During the game, former Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis will be celebrated as the Legend of the Game, an honor proudly presented by Arena Club. Mathis, who was selected 39th overall in the 2003 draft, played for Jacksonville until 2012. He stands as the 8th player on the team's All-25 roster and holds franchise records for career interceptions, totaling 30, and passes defended, with 104. His single-season interception record of eight was set in 2006.
Artistic and Patriotic Performances
The pre-game festivities will feature Floridian vocalist YOSHIHANAA, a semifinalist from the 2025 season of "The Voice," who will perform the national anthem. Antony Pletenets, a student from the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, will provide sign language interpretation for the anthem. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Joint Color Guard, comprising Jaguars season ticket holders, will present the colors. A majestic flyover will be performed by the 159th Fighter Squadron of the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, showcasing F-35A Lightning II aircraft launching from Jacksonville Air National Guard Base.
Recognizing Military Service
Sergeant 1st Class Trevaris Ross, a native of Jacksonville with over 17 years of service in the U.S. Army and six deployments, has been designated as the Bell Ringer for the event. Additionally, Electrician's Mate Senior Chief (Submarines) Trent Parrish, a retired Navy nuclear-trained submariner with nearly 23 years of service, will be honored as the Veteran of the Game, an acknowledgment sponsored by Veterans Benefits Guide.
A Ceremony of New Citizenship
During halftime, the Jaguars will host their ninth annual Naturalization Oath of Allegiance Ceremony. U.S. District Court Judge Marcia Morales Howard will preside over the ceremony, where one hundred applicants from 52 different nations, including six active-duty service members, will take their oaths to become U.S. citizens.
Community Champion Recognition
In the third quarter, Lieutenant Pamela Ramsdell of the JFRD will be recognized as this week's Community Champion, an award presented by Florida Blue. Lieutenant Ramsdell is a 21-year veteran of the department and a fifth-generation Jacksonville firefighter. She also serves as a K9 handler for Florida Task Force 5 and dedicates her time to mentoring young burn survivors and aspiring firefighters.
